5BR, Ocean & Sound Views, Heatable Pool, Game Room, Pets, 4x4 Beach
Come play hooky from real life — and do it in style! Playing Hooky is one of the most spectacular vacation rentals on the 4x4 beaches of Carova Beach, Northern Outer Banks, North Carolina. Perched on a high, elevated lot just 3 miles up the 4x4 beach from Corolla, this magnificent 5-bedroom, 2,576 square foot home delivers something rare on the Outer Banks: panoramic views of BOTH the Atlantic Ocean to the east AND the Currituck Sound to the west. Sunrises over the ocean. Sunsets over the sound. All from the same house. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is required to reach Playing Hooky — and the moment you leave the pavement and hit the beach, you'll understand exactly why guests come back year after year. No traffic, no crowds, just wide open shoreline, star-filled skies, and the famous Corolla wild horses roaming freely nearby. The Crow's Nest & Views: At the top of Playing Hooky sits the crown jewel — a roof deck crow's nest with built-in seating and 360-degree views that will take your breath away. Watch the Currituck Lighthouse beacon to the south, catch the Fourth of July fireworks over Heritage Park, or simply let every care you brought with you blow away in the ocean breeze. There's also a bright sunroom just off the kitchen with a card table and chaise lounge, plus multiple levels of decking with outdoor seating on both the ocean and sound sides. The Game Room: The entry level of Playing Hooky is pure fun. A fully equipped game room features a pool table, wet bar with second refrigerator, huge smart TV with quality speaker system, pub table, and comfortable seating for 10. A duo-bunk and twin bedroom plus full bath on this level makes it the perfect kids' retreat — or a self-contained space for a family of four. Outside is the large heatable pool (fee applies, subject to availability) with lounge chairs, picnic table, and cabana bath. The Main Living Levels: On the second level you'll find three king bedrooms — one with a private bath, two sharing a bath — plus a laundry room. Step outside to the screened porch, where a 6-person hot tub awaits surrounded by dining space and cool ocean breezes. The hot tub's screened location means zero bugs and maximum relaxation. The upper level is where it all comes together — stunning ocean views from the comfortable leather-furnished living room, a well-equipped kitchen with island seating for three and place settings for 12, and the fifth bedroom, a queen suite with private bath. The sunroom off the dining area connects you to both the sound deck to the west and the ocean deck to the east. Pets Welcome Playing Hooky welcomes up to two dogs (restrictions on age, weight, and breed apply). A per-pet fee and refundable security deposit are required. No cats please. Short Stays Available Three-night minimum stays are available in the fall — perfect for a quick escape to the 4x4 beach! Saturday check-in. Linens and towels available for a fee. No smoking. No graduation groups or events. Free unlimited parking at the house. Two beach parking passes included.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Corolla
Corolla is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Outer Banks Beaches and Corolla Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Currituck National Wildlife Refuge and Corolla Raceway. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving, snorkelling and windsurfing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting.
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
Getting around
Norfolk, VA (ORF-Norfolk Intl.) - 156 min drive
Restaurants
Northern Lights Bakery - 26 min drive
Salty Rim - 26 min drive
The Kind Cup - 26 min drive
Corolla Pizza & Deli - 24 min drive
Cosmo's Pizzeria - 26 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does 5BR, Ocean & Sound Views, Heatable Pool, Game Room, Pets, 4x4 Beach have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at 5BR, Ocean & Sound Views, Heatable Pool, Game Room, Pets, 4x4 Beach?
As of 25 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 5BR, Ocean & Sound Views, Heatable Pool, Game Room, Pets, 4x4 Beach on 30 May 2026 start from £524, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is 5BR, Ocean & Sound Views, Heatable Pool, Game Room, Pets, 4x4 Beach pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at 5BR, Ocean & Sound Views, Heatable Pool, Game Room, Pets, 4x4 Beach?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 5BR, Ocean & Sound Views, Heatable Pool, Game Room, Pets, 4x4 Beach?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 5BR, Ocean & Sound Views, Heatable Pool, Game Room, Pets, 4x4 Beach located?
This family-friendly Corolla holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Currituck National Wildlife Refuge and Outer Banks Beaches. Estuarine Nature Walk is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) away.
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
It was great, everything was clean and the house is super cozy, we definitely love our staying in, you can even see wild horses from the deck, also Laura was so nice, love it!
Zai P.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept 2025
Love your review!! :-)
Hope you all will come again!
We have rented many places and the appeal of this place comes from the wild horses that came on to the property several days of the trip. Our evenings on the upper deck and our short drives to the beach we’re our favorite parts of this stay.
Rachel D.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept 2022
I'm glad you enjoyed your time here in Carova. The horses are a spectacle for sure. It's pretty certain that you'll see them at least a couple of times during a week stay. After you live here for a while, you kinda get used to them, so it is nice to be reminded of how special this place really is!
we had 8 adults and house worked really well for us. the location was ideal. great views and very clean, and if you have any issues Laura will take care of it, as she did for us. GREAT property manager.
Cole J.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Sept 2024
So nice that you all had a good stay. Your kind words are much appreciated. :-)
Playing Hooky is an ideal place for families to enjoy Carova Beach. Everything was super clean. Kids loved the pool and hot tub. Internet connection is excellent so you can stream and even work from here.
Philippe D.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Oct 2022
Playing Hooky does offer an excellent vacation!! The huge pool makes it easy with kids, particularly since there is a cabana bath!! The internet is one of the more reliable since it is a satellite system and does not require a landline for connection.
So glad you found us and please come again!!
The house was wonderful. Lots of space inside, well appointed both inside and out. Great outside spaces, lots of decks and nice pool. Highly recommended.
Eric P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jul 2022
What a great house.. and yes, nice spaces both inside and out. <3
Nice location and beautiful views. There were some issues but the property manager was quick to respond.
Jennifer S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2024
Thanks so much for your review. Playing Hooky has a nice high lot so the views to the ocean AND sound are pretty great. See sunrises AND sunsets!! Glad we got you all fixed up. Please come again!
Playing hooky was perfect for our family of 9! We saw horses every day, short truck ride to beach (walked some days). Comfy beds, great views, loved the crows nest! Laura was super awesome!! DEFINITELY recommend booking thru her!!!
Charla B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2022
Thanks for your nice words. We are so glad you had a good stay at Playing Hooky! What a great house!! The owners have been hard at work keeping it up to date!! That crow's nest is a favorite spot for sunsets! Or if you are an early bird, the sunrise is pretty spectacular from that spot. Hope you will come again!
Due to the secluded located of this property, we didnt leave the house as much as if we had stayed in KDH or OBX. The house had everyone we needed and more. Laura (property manager) got us in early and was instantly responsive to any concerns or needs that we had.
Kyde K.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jul 2025
Thanks so much for your nice review. GREAT that we could get you in a little early. Sometimes all the jobs are done early and that means vacation can start a little early!! :-)
We enjoyed our stay at Playing Hooky. Kitchen was very well stocked with plenty of room for 9. Laura was always quick to respond to our texts.
Douglas H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jul 2022
Hooky has great spaces and plenty of room for nine. The layout makes it easy to hide if you want to!! ;-) I love the screened porch with hot tub and table for cards!! Late night poker and hot tub!!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Randy W.
18 Aug 2023
Whalen
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We had a fantastic time. The home is beautiful.
Randy W.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2023
We are so glad you liked Playing Hooky!! :-) That name brings up memories of stealing days from school to have a lazy day off from life and it's requirements. I hope you got a little of that during your week there. I bet it was easy to conjure with the ocean just over the dune, and the sunset just over the sound. Life is good!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Bill D.
15 Aug 2018
A great time Playing Hooky
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We really enjoyed our stay at Playing Hooky, wonderful vacation house with a ton of space and play areas, very easy walk to the beach as well.
Bill D.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar 2020
You are right, Playing Hooky really has quite a few nice spaces. The game room is a nice gathering spot, and large enough for MANY people to relax or play pool, or watch a movie, or play a game. Outside in the screened porch (with hot tub) is a big table for games or poker night. Pong anyone? I like the sun-room table for puzzles! The outside rockers spread throughout the decks are so comfy, you can sit and watch the ocean for hours. The roof deck/crow's nest at sunset offers a spectacular sight over the sound. We would love to have you come back to enjoy all those spaces again! :-) THANKS for the nice review!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Gennene P.
19 Aug 2024
August 2024
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Playing Hookey was a very nice place to stay on our vacation. We loved the pool was to the side of the house and in the sun the entire day.
Gennene P.
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Nov 2024
So glad you enjoyed your stay. The pool area at Playing Hooky is huge!! And the southern exposure makes it usable all day AND NIGHT! Hot tub on level two overlooking the pool means privacy for the hot tub and since it's in the screened porch, there are no bugs to bother you during a soak! PLUS you can still see the sunset from that hot tub since it is on the southwestern edge of the screened porch. All around, great planning for the pool and hot tub!!
We loved our stay at playing hooky! The location was perfect for our family vacation. The home itself was well stocked and comfortable and the views from the decks and crow's nest were breathtaking. We saw horses every day, sometimes right in the yard! It's just a short drive to the ocean for a day on the beach and we also enjoyed spending time by the pool. Groceries/Restaurants etc. are a bit of a drive - but not inconvenient by any means. Highly recommend!
Amber F.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Oct 2021
We are so glad you enjoyed "PLAYING HOOKY"! It has nice spaces for gathering but also enough alternate spaces that you can get "lost" if you want to ;-) The crow's nest is a favorite spot for the end of day sunset. Or beginning day coffee.
THANKS and hope you will come again.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Andrea Z.
23 Aug 2019
Summer Vacation
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
It was the best week ever! The horses came almost every day, the house was awesome, had everything! The management company went above and beyond our expectations, we will definitely be back!
Andrea Z.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar 2020
THANKS so much for your nice review!! So glad you had a great time and we look forward to having you return!
What a blast when the only way to your home is in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Reaching your destination, (2.7 miles on the sand) is a huge adventure as you cruise parallel to the beautiful ocean with statuesque horses calmly grazing about alongside their family! Truly a gift!
Deborah K.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Jul 2022
So nice that you have reminded me of the pleasures of Carova. Sometimes I forget. It's kinda like living next to a big beautiful mountain, after a while, you just take it for granted. SO nice to see it with fresh eyes. Thank you!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Steven and Betty M. M.
23 Jun 2020
Playing Hookey
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Had a wonderful time...weather at the beginning was stormy but enjoyed family time then the last of the vaca was on to the beach. Plenty of horses, sun and sand. House was great with lots of activities and amenities.
Steven and Betty M. M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jun 2020
THANKS so much for your nice review. We were worried for those first two days... it was looking like it was going to rain FOREVER!! Thankfully, the clouds broke and the sun peeked out. Smooth sailing from then on! Thanks for your attention to the house upon checkout. We really appreciate it when folks take the time to lessen their impact! It was obvious that you cared for the house as if it were your own. :-)
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Diana D.
6 Jul 2023
Playing Hooky was fantastic peaceful and clean
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We had an amazing time at OBX. Laura and their rental team was wonderful to deal with. We had a couple minor issues but they were on the scene with assistance within minutes of my call. We look forward to going back and using their rental services again next year. The home was very clean one of the cleanest I've stayed in.
Diana D.
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Jul 2023
Thanks so much Diana. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay. And we have you all signed up for next year.
Hope you can hold on for 51 weeks!! lol
About the host
Hosted by Owner/Manager David and Laura James
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests